FOUR suspected terrorists have been arrested in raids on homes in Manchester, Bury and Stretford.

Three were picked up in simultaneous 5am swoops and the fourth at 11am in Stretford.

The four north Africans were being taken to London where they will be questioned by the Metropolitan Police anti- terrorist squad.

The men, aged 30, 31, 32 and 35, are believed to be asylum seekers of Algerian origin. More than 60 officers were involved, including the Scotland Yard anti-terrorist SO13 specialists, Manchester-based Special Branch and the Tactical Aid Unit.

The raids were similar to the one two weeks ago in Crumpsall, Manchester, which led to the death of Special Branch detective Stephen Oake.

It was unclear whether the tactics used today were different to those employed on the night the father of three was stabbed eight times in the chest.

Questions were raised after the killing about whether the terror suspects should have been handcuffed and whether all officers should have worn body armour.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said today's arrests were in Hulme at Cooper House on Camelford Close and at Thomas Court, and a flat in Deal Street in Bury.

In an effort to cool strong feelings within the Muslim community, Chief Supt Tony Porter, head of GMP's community affairs unit, said: "I would like to reassure all those communities who feel vulnerable following these events, that every effort is being expended to minimise risk to them and provide reassurance at every step.

"GMP acknowledges that the political extremists do not reflect the views and aspirations of the vast majority of the communities and faiths in whose name these extremists often claim to act and represent."

A man living next door to the flat in Bury said he thought two asylum seekers had been living there for around five months. He said: "They kept themselves to themselves. I only knew them to say hello."

Another neighbour said he saw about 20 police officers in riot gear surround the house around 5am.

He said: "Most of the time it seemed to be two men living in the flat, but they did seem to have quite a lot of visitors coming and going."

Forensic police were searching the flat today but said they were not looking for chemical substances.,

They also searched the flat in Thomas Court, Hulme,a city council-owned '60s tower block with around 50 flats.

Nearby Cooper House is owned and run by the Northern Counties Housing Association. Local shop owner Nanda Maisuria, 50, said he was "very worried" about today's events.

"I have been here for 30 years and have never had any problems," he said.

Anthony Patten, a 31-year-old cleaner, said the area was typical of any inner city estate.

He said: "It has got its good points and bad points, more bad than good. There are people coming and going all the time."

Elsewhere in Hulme, a white police van was parked outside a second block of flats, near the city's universities district, while two officers guarded a door.